Where:

Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center

When:

Sat, Jul 10, 2021 9:30 pm - Sun, Jul 11, 2021 12:30 am

Cost:

$5 Suggested Donation per person 5 years and older

UPDATE July 10, 2021 at 13:50 =====
Tonight's forecast is turning out better than we had expected. We can expect mostly clear skies with a chance of patchy fog. Eventually fog will move in, hopefully not until after midnight. Since we have had so many cancelled events this summer we are removing the ticket requirement for tonight's event. We plan to open at 9:30 pm and will go until either fog rolls in or 12:30 am comes around.
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Frosty Drew Observatory resides in one of the darkest locations in southern New England, and one of the most accessible spots to see the Milky Way Galaxy. Catching sight of the Milky Way stretching across the sky is a view that we regularly enjoy at Frosty Drew Observatory, and one of our most frequent questions is "when can I see the Milky Way at Frosty Drew Observatory?". So we are adding a couple Saturday night stargazing events themed on viewing the Milky Way. These are the nights that we think will offer best viewing of the Milky Way during the summer months.

Starting at 9:30 p.m. (weather permitting) hang out with our astronomers and telescopes as we showcase many of the fascinating celestial objects that are found along the Milky Way galactic plane, including young star clusters, star forming nebulae, colorful binary star systems, and thousands of stars. The Milky Way will become visible after 9:30 p.m. tonight, with best views kicking in around 10:30 p.m. These are the nights to lay out under thousands of stars with no Moon to obscure your view.

A ticket is NOT required for admission at tonight's event. Though donations are suggested and appreciated!

If seeing the Milky Way is on your bucket list, or if you just want a relaxing night to lay out under the stars, then this is your chance.

Check out our page on Visiting Frosty Drew Observatory to learn more about what to expect at the Observatory and better help you prepare for your visit.

Please note that we do not allow any white lights on our campus from dusk - dawn. This is to ensure an equally awesome view of the night sky for all as well as to allow for the use of light sensitive astronomical equipment. Learn more about why we have this requirement in The Red Light District.

To allow for visitors to freely explore all of the amazing experiences at Frosty Drew Observatory without having to wait in long lines, we have integrated a pass-based group access process that applies to only the large telescope inside the observatory dome. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with this process as part of your planning steps.

Now gear up for a fabulous night out at the darkest spot in Rhode Island and celebrate fabulous views of the Milky Way.

Photo: The Milky Way rises over Frosty Drew Observatory in 2019 by Frosty Drew Astronomy Team member, Scott MacNeill.